The Other La Bohème is literary fiction that depicts the lives and loves of four friends who pursue opera singers’ careers in present-day New York City. Jennifer (soprano), Stephanie (mezzo-soprano), Henry (tenor), and John (baritone) met in music school in Manhattan, where they performed Puccini’s famous opera La Bohème at their graduation concert. After graduation they banded together as a group called the Dolci Quattro, pledging to support one another in their professional pursuits. Several years later, they have landed the roles of Mimi, Musette, Marcello, and Rodolfo in the nearly forgotten opera La Bohème by Leoncavallo—known as “the other La Bohème”—which is to be produced by the New York Bel Canto Opera.

The novel begins with arias and a duet sung by Henry and Stephanie in the Café Momus. Jennifer and John come in, and they congratulate each other on their new roles. Immediately, though, the thoughts of the current state of their personal lives cool their enthusiasm.

As the story unfolds, Jennifer discovers that her fiancé, Richard, an investment banker and a fiction writer, is having an affair with another woman. Stephanie struggles to find a steady love, while perturbed by a strained relationship with her father, a billionaire hedge fund manager, who abandoned her late mother. Henry faces a pressure from his family to renounce his bohemian life for a more respectful career as he meets his new love, Christine, a poet. John receives a summons for divorce from the lawyer of his wife Michelle, a painter.

Set in the rich artistic backdrop of New York City, the Dolci Quattro’s lives and loves go through ups and downs in joy and despair, while true to their pledge they give one another much-needed moral support. As the opening night nears, the Dolci Quattro make their utmost efforts to perfect their singing for the opera that will determine their future.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Other La Boheme by Yorker Keith is stunning tale of four friends whose lives are falling apart as they prepare for their opera performance. An opera performance that may change their careers forever. I loved how Yorker Keith brought the opera life and the lives of the singers in a three-dimensional way. They popped from the pages. Their troubles felt real and the story continued to captivate as their struggles grew. Each friend pledged to support one another and so they do…but life can be difficult to manage as well as maintain a certain professional appearance in the singing careers. Relationships, family, and friends are major themes of this book. I found it captivating. The writing was easy to follow along and engaging. The characters each faced a different issue and their bond as friends helps. A very realtic novel that everyone can relate to. Overall, The Other La Boheme is a must read for those who love music, opera, and art.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase crafts a tender, hopeful family-centered romance..

She knows him by reputation…
Riley Shaughnessy knew that to stand out in his large family, he’d have to go big. Making a name for himself as a musician wasn’t easy, but he followed his dreams to rock-star success. But the relentless expectations of fans is not helping the slump he’s in now. So of course the person who attracts him is the woman who is not impressed by fame.

Which gives Riley Shaughnessy a lot to prove…
Entertainment reporter Savannah Daly is completely unfazed by pretty-boy rock stars. She’s just here to get her interview and write her story. But spending an entire month with the Shaughnessys is going to show Savannah a side of Riley she never could have guessed.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

This Is Our Song by Samantha Chase is an intoxicating contemporary read. The novel holds a lot of sass, sweetness, and intrigue. The featured couple make a great team…only if they are willing to let their hearts fall for one another. Famous rockstar singer and his big sweet loving family is enough to make any woman fall closer to the man…but still fear keeps her at bay. Even her own family loves the singer and his family. Heart melting, engaging, and definitely a page turning tale. Sexy but family orientated. A bit cheesy and a whole lot of romance. The instant sparks between the journalist and rock star are enough to heat up the day and make readers blush. I loved the way the siblings were all there together. The father and son bond was beautifully done as well. A song writer who is experiencing writer’s Block and is frustrated beyond meets a woman who isn’t happy about doing his interview. Yet when they finally meet…both can’t forget the other or let go of each other. Is it fate?

Samantha Chase has brilliantly spun another fabulous title. I love her world of fiction. Irresistible characters, thrilling plotline, and a fast-paced tempothat will keep readers interested until the last page. I love how Samantha Chase creates magic within her books. This was a stunning magical journey that I want to revisit again. There was so many the,see to love about this story. Family, love, dreams, and finding oneself. This Is Our Song was perfect. I highly recommend it to all.